The influx of fans back into Kenyan Stadium has been hailed as a new dawn for Kenyan soccer which had for long been characterized by empty stadiums. Gauging from the recent gate collections, it's a fact that Kenyan soccer is taking a central position in the hearts of Kenyan soccer lovers.
A mid week match like the tie pitting Gor Mahia and Tusker FC raised a decent one million Kenyan Shillings. This is commendable on part of the fans who have found faith in the local game and are ready to spend their hard earned money to support their favorite team.
But whatever has a good side is somehow bound to have an ugly side. Bhang smoking is slowly creeping into our stadium. A section of fans have made it a habit to engage in ceremonial smoking rituals-perhaps to dispel bad ghosts from their opponent- during matches. If this menace goes unchecked, what SuperSport commentator Bernard Otieno labels as a family outing will soon turn out into a toxic outing.
An ardent Gor Mahia fan Onyango 'Nyarwath' Jack laments on Facebook "Wen u sit on the terraces, u end up smoking bhang than the real smokers...this must stop, or we'll all av lung cancer or worse. Wavute hizo dawa yao kwa choo."
The effects of the drugs are clearly evident during the game as Jack O Odeny puts it in a Facebook comment "...First ... bhang smokers throw bottles in the pitch( I dont understand why the police allow bhang into stadium) then on the way they insult anybody and everybody using unmentionable words......"
It has been observed in the past ,the unfriendly behavior from a section of fans who go out in the name of celebrating their team’s victory through the streets after matches breaking and hitting other people’s cars. Two weeks ago, some of these errant fans were seen crashing a side mirror of an innocent motorist in town. Celebration after a great macth is acceptable but it's time the fans also became responsible and took charge of such errant characters within them.
This wild behaviour could be the effect of the toxic substances being used by some who will end up spoiling the miles made so far in trying to bring fans back to the Stadia.If it goes unabated, Bhang smoking menace will for sure drive away prospective fans. Biggie Amayo Vin sees the sense in this and puts it in a Facebook comment "atleast u talking sense this bhang smoking in the terraces is chasing away non smokers"
For our dear fans who have fallen prey to bhang abuse, ponder these facts from NACADA website
- Bhang (cannabis) contains more than 400 chemicals, many of which are harmful
- Bhang smoke has more cancer-causing agents than cigarette smoke.
- The chemicals in Bhang smoke can remain in the body for up to a month.
- Bhang affects co-ordination and slows down thinking and reflexes.
- Bhang reduces people’s memory and affects comprehension.
- Bhang smokers often lose interest in schoolwork, sports, and other extracurricular activities
- Smoking Bhang is especially harmful for young people because their bodies are still growing.
- Bhang is psychologically addictive.
It's not too late to change. If you need immediate help, NACADA provides this number for you to call 020 272 1997
Most fans want to enjoy football in a pure environment. They want to bring their spouses and children to enjoy the best of Kenyan soccer. For the sake of the majority it’s time we stopped these bad seeds from sprouting!
As an old Spanish adage goes, Habits are at first cobwebs, then cables. Bad habits are easier to abandon today than tomorrow. What do you think?
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